Fanonx Rogers
Commitment and Resources Helped Fanonx Rogers Develop the Skills to Solve Complex Problems
Fanonx Rogers
Software Engineer within Cloud Functions team, Oracle
MS in Software Development (MET’20); BAS, Quinnipiac University
Why did you choose BU MET for your graduate studies? What set BU MET apart from other programs you were considering?
I opted for BU MET because it was a nice fit for my situation at the time. I was working part time and wanted to continue my education while doing so. My job also helped with tuition reimbursement. I didn’t want to take classes online, and MET’s base of operations was really close to my job. At the time, I believed my learning experience would be significantly better if I attended classes in person. Lastly, I remember filling out a form to learn more about BU MET and a recruiter contacted me relatively fast. He was extremely helpful and guided me throughout the application process, giving me some very useful tips. The simplicity of the process really set BU MET apart. I was considering nearby competitors, but their process felt drawn-out by comparison. Also, when I was researching the BU MET website, I found the presentation of information on core classes for each degree easily accessible, and a good outline of what my learning path at BU would be like.
Were you able to use faculty as a resource? Is there a particular faculty member who enhanced your experience at BU MET?
Oh, yes. I thoroughly enjoyed studying with Associate Professor Reza Rawassizadeh and Assistant ProfessorKia Teymourian. Their courses are the most vital ones you will take (besides Data Structures and Algorithms) if you are pursuing an MS in Software Development at MET. I honestly don’t believe I would have enjoyed the successes I have without their guidance.
I also want to give a special shout-out to San Tran and Motun Bolumole at the Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering. They each helped me out tremendously and provided crucial stepping stones for my career as a software engineer.
How were you able to adapt to some of the challenges of balancing work, home-life, and school? Did you benefit from BU MET’s flexible class delivery options?
I only worked part time for my first year, so I was fortunate enough to have a lot of time on my hands. By my third year I’d saved enough money, so I quit my job, giving me even more time to focus on my studies. I pretty much lived in the Boston Public Library or Mugar library from whenever I arrived on campus, around 9 am, until the end of the day. There were even times I was on campus until 1 am, studying with a classmate. I felt lucky to be able to commit as much time as I did to my studies, especially since I knew others who didn’t have the luxury. Time just wasn’t an issue. Now if I had mismanaged the time, that would have been a different story.
Are there any specific skills or competencies you acquired during your studies that qualified you for a promotion, professional designation, title change or other benefit?
Nothing quite so specific. Instead of putting a huge emphasis on learning a specific technology or tool for the sake of the tool, I came instead to appreciate the more macro understanding of what problems these technologies are trying to solve. That is what I think employers truly want to see, anyway—how do you approach and solve complex problems?
When it comes to competencies, I’d say I draw value from pretty much all the concepts I learned in Advanced Programming Techniques (MET CS 622), Software Design and Patterns (MET CS 665), and Data Structures and Algorithms (MET CS 526). I couldn’t really pinpoint any one specific thing, but I draw on all the soft and technical skills I learned throughout my time at BU MET.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is considering applying to this program?
I think if your goal is to become a software engineer or increase your chances for promotion, and you plan on using BU MET as a main resource, then you should prepare to fully commit to your journey. The more effort and determination you put in, the more you will get out of the program.
Looking back, I put tremendous pressure on myself, at times to my detriment—but I don’t regret it. I challenged myself on a daily basis to learn and increase my knowledge. That included learning as much as I could within the course content, as well as going the extra mile to learn competencies outside the class. I don’t think I’d have my position or salary without all the hours I dedicated to improving my craft. Also, just because it is the weekend doesn’t mean you take the day off!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I recommend new students get involved with the community at MET, ranging from the professors to social events. Developing a good relationship with your professors increases your learning opportunities, and enriches your experience. The events that MET throws are both fun and informational. I saw most of the guest speakers, and they provided key insights into the current industry. Identifying resources before your journey only increases your chances of success.